Question 1

What is periodontal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal therapy is a type of dental treatment that focuses on preventing and treating gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. This therapy is aimed at improving the health of the gums, bones, and other tissues that support the teeth.Periodontal therapy may include a variety of treatments, depending on the severity of the gum disease and the individual needs of the patient. Some common types of periodontal therapy include:Scaling and root planing | This is a non-surgical treatment that involves deep cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris that can contribute to gum disease.Antibiotics | Antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease.Surgery | In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.Laser therapy | This is a newer treatment option that uses a laser to remove infected tissue and promote the growth of healthy tissue.The goal of periodontal therapy is to restore the health of the gums and prevent further damage to the teeth and supporting structures. It can also help to improve overall oral health and reduce the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to gum disease.

Question 2

What are the different periodontal disease stages?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. There are several stages of periodontal disease, ranging from mild to severe. The different stages of periodontal disease are:Gingivitis | This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth and gums, which can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.Early periodontitis | In this stage, the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and connective tissue, begin to break down due to chronic inflammation. This can lead to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums, which can trap bacteria and cause further damage.Moderate periodontitis | As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets between the teeth and gums become deeper, and the bone and connective tissue continue to break down. This can cause the teeth to become loose and shift in the mouth.Advanced periodontitis | In this final stage of periodontal disease, the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth have been severely damaged or destroyed. This can cause the teeth to become extremely loose, and they may eventually fall out or need to be removed.It&#8217;s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are key to preventing further damage and maintaining good oral health. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent the development of periodontal disease.

Question 3

Can periodontal disease be reversed? If so, how can I reverse periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

In its early stages, periodontal disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits. However, in its later stages (periodontitis), the damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance.To reverse gingivitis, the following steps may be taken:Professional cleaning | Dr. Morton can remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums through a process called scaling and root planing. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause gingivitis.Improved oral hygiene | Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help remove plaque and prevent the buildup of bacteria that cause gingivitis.Antimicrobial mouthwash | An antimicrobial mouthwash may be recommended to kill any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation.Regular dental checkups | Regular dental checkups can help catch and treat gingivitis early before it progresses to periodontitis.Once periodontitis has developed, the damage to the gums and supporting structures cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through ongoing treatment and maintenance, including:Scaling and root planing | This procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums to prevent further damage.Surgery | In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, can help manage periodontitis and prevent further damage.It&#8217;s important to note that periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and maintenance to prevent further damage and maintain good oral health. If you suspect that you have periodontal disease, please callas soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Question 4

Is periodontal disease surgery covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease surgery may be covered by insurance, but it depends on the specific insurance policy and the severity of the periodontal disease.In general, most dental insurance policies cover basic preventive care, such as regular cleanings and checkups. Some policies may also cover periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery, to treat periodontal disease. However, the extent of coverage for periodontal disease surgery may vary depending on the insurance policy and the severity of the disease.It&#8217;s important to check with your dental insurance provider to determine what is covered under your specific policy. Dr. Morton can also help determine the best course of treatment and work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.Keep in mind that even if periodontal disease surgery is not fully covered by insurance, it’s still important to seek treatment as untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious oral health problems and potentially impact your overall health.

Question 5

What is non-surgical periodontal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical periodontal therapy is often the first line of treatment for periodontal disease and may be used in combination with surgical treatments for more advanced cases.Non-surgical periodontal therapy typically involves the following steps:Scaling and root planing | This is a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, while root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to promote healing and prevent bacteria from reattaching.Antibiotics | Antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums.Bite adjustment | If malocclusion or bite problems are contributing to periodontal disease, bite adjustment may be recommended to redistribute biting forces and reduce the strain on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, are important to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.Non-surgical periodontal therapy can be very effective in treating mild to moderate cases of periodontal disease. However, in more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to repair or regenerate damaged gum tissue or bone.

Question 6

Does offer periodontal therapy treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! , we offer a variety of periodontal therapy treatments depending on the severity of your case. Dr. Morton will perform a detailed examination and discuss your treatment options with you. Give us a call or book your appointment online today!

Question 7

What is periodontal maintenance therapy?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal maintenance therapy is a type of ongoing treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. It’s a critical component of managing the disease and preventing its progression.Periodontal maintenance therapy typically involves the following steps:Monitoring and evaluation | A periodontal evaluation is performed to assess the health of the gums, teeth, and bone. This may involve measuring the depth of periodontal pockets, checking for bleeding or inflammation, and taking x-rays to assess bone loss.Scaling and root planing | This is a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, while root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to promote healing and prevent bacteria from reattaching.Antibiotics | Antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums.Bite adjustment | If malocclusion or bite problems are contributing to periodontal disease, bite adjustment may be recommended to redistribute biting forces and reduce the strain on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.Ongoing maintenance | Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, are important to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. The frequency of periodontal maintenance appointments will depend on the severity of the disease and the patient&#8217;s individual needs.Periodontal maintenance therapy is typically recommended every three to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease. It is important to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule to prevent the progression of the disease and maintain good oral health.

Question 8

Where can I find an expert in periodontal disease therapy near me?

Accepted Answer

You’re in the right place! Dr. Morton is very experienced with periodontal disease therapy and located right here in Brentwood. Give  a call or schedule your appointment online today!

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy: Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile

What to Expect

Follow-ups monitor gum reattachment and adjust your care plan.

When Might You Need It?

We’ll assess your gum and bone health to determine the best treatment.

Recovery Tips

We’ll help your gums stay strong and healthy.

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